I LIKE NETWORKING CIC

Executive Summary

I LIKE NETWORKING CIC operates as a niche social enterprise within the UK’s membership and community services sector, focusing on underrepresented groups in creative industries. While financial scale is modest, the company demonstrates positive net assets and prudent management, capitalizing on sector trends around digital community building and diversity support. Its competitive strength lies in targeted programming and community engagement, positioning it well to grow as demand for inclusive networking platforms increases.

I LIKE NETWORKING CIC - Analysis Report

Company Number: 13128258

Analysis Date: 2025-07-20 13:11 UTC

1. Industry Classification
   I LIKE NETWORKING CIC operates primarily under SIC codes 96090 (Other service activities not elsewhere classified), 94990 (Activities of other membership organizations not elsewhere classified), and 63990 (Other information service activities not elsewhere classified). These classifications place the company within the broader social enterprise and community membership services sector, with a focus on providing networking, mentorship, and information dissemination services. This sector is characterized by its emphasis on community engagement, often targeting niche audiences with tailored support services, particularly for underrepresented groups in creative and tech industries.

2. Relative Performance
   Financially, I LIKE NETWORKING CIC is a micro-entity given its turnover of approximately £54k in the latest financial year, well below thresholds for small or medium-sized enterprises. The company has maintained stable turnover (£54k in 2024 vs. £57k in 2023), a modest operating profit (£1.4k in 2024, down from £10k in 2023), and positive net assets (£17k). The decline in operating profit reflects increased administrative expenses and a reduction in other operating income, which may signal investment in growth or community initiatives. Compared to typical micro-entities in the social enterprise and membership organization segment, the company demonstrates prudent financial management with positive working capital and no significant liabilities, although its scale remains limited relative to larger peers or sector leaders.

3. Sector Trends Impact
   The social enterprise and membership services sector, especially those targeting creative industries and diversity inclusion, has been growing due to heightened emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives within UK business ecosystems. Trends such as digital community building, virtual networking events, and targeted mentorship programs have accelerated, particularly post-pandemic. I LIKE NETWORKING CIC’s focus on women and non-binary individuals in creative sectors aligns well with these trends, benefiting from increased demand for specialized support platforms. Moreover, their transition to platforms like Substack and expansion of online community engagement reflect adaptive strategies to leverage digital transformation trends prevalent in this sector.

4. Competitive Positioning
   I LIKE NETWORKING CIC is a niche player focusing on intersectional diversity within creative and tech industries. Its strengths include a clear social mission, demonstrated impact through successful mentorship and networking programs, and strong community growth (notably 40k+ online members and 6k+ newsletter subscribers). The company’s private limited status by guarantee, absence of share capital, and micro-entity financial profile emphasize its social rather than commercial profit focus. However, compared to larger membership organizations or commercial networking platforms, its scale and financial resources are limited, which may constrain rapid expansion or investment in technology. The company’s director-led governance model and low employee count (1-2 employees) highlight a lean operating structure that may rely heavily on volunteer or partner collaborations.